FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2013 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) reaches for a pass from quarterback Michael Vick as New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia. The Eagles have released Jackson. The team cut Jackson on Friday, March 28, 2014. He was coming off a career-best season in Philadelphia, leading the team with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns.(AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)

PHILADELPHIA >> Unable to find a taker on the trade market, the Philadelphia Eagles released dynamic wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Friday.

Jackson, a graduate of Long Beach Poly, was coming off a career-best season in Philadelphia, leading the team with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. He had a $10.25 million contract for the 2014 season and was signed through 2016.

“After careful consideration over this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with DeSean Jackson,” the Eagles said in a statement.

Jackson thanked the Eagles organization and fans in his own statement Friday, and also denied “unfounded reports” that he was released for off-field issues.

“I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang,” Jackson said in a statement. “I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values.

“I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true.”

Jackson has 356 career receptions for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns. He’s a dangerous returner who went to the Pro Bowl in 2009 after taking two punts the distance. Jackson has four career scores on punt returns, including the memorable 65-yard game-ending return to cap a comeback win over the New York Giants in 2010.

The 27-year-old receiver is entering his seventh NFL season.

The Eagles released Jackson less than an hour after a NJ.com report was published that detailed the wideout’s alleged connection to the Los Angeles-based Crips gang.

Poly athletic director Rob Shock and Debbie Hughes, Jackson’s counselor in high school, both supported their former student.

“DeSean is a great guy — he was a sweet kid when he was in high school, always very polite and respectful with me,” Hughes said. “There was no gang activity with him. He wasn’t in a gang. That’s not to say other students weren’t, but DeSean definitely wasn’t one of them.”

Said Shock: “Every single year during his bye week he comes back and talks to the kids and goes to a game. He’s always had a big heart — it just feels like somebody out there is trying to tear him down. ... DeSean hasn’t done anything, he hasn’t committed any crimes.”

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Former NFL running back Derrick Ward, a first-year assistant at Poly, took to Twitter to defend Jackson.

“Im sorry but has @DeseanJackson10 ever been arrested? Suspended? DUI? Drugs? No so why are these (analysts) on @espn trying to make him seem like he’s a horrible person. ... I know @DeseanJackson10 very very very well. If the Eagles where so concerned about his ‘Gang Ties’ they wouldnt had drafted him 6 years ago.”

Former Poly coach Raul Lara was quoted in the NJ.com story about how hard Jackson took it after his father, Bill, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but said his comments were framed out of context and didn’t imply any gang association.

“Gangbanger, what the hell is that about? He’s not a gangbanger. All I was saying was that it was a tragic part of his life when his father died,” Lara said. “He’s not a gangbanger, I don’t know where they’re getting that from, and I didn’t say that he was. I was close with his dad and I know that when his dad passed it really hit him.”